Adapt vs. Adjust: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
"Adapt" means to change oneself to suit different conditions, while "adjust" means to alter or move something slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result.
Key Differences
Adaptation involves a transformational change where an individual, species, or entity develops traits over time to fit new conditions. Conversely, to adjust means to make minor changes for a more comfortable or functional fit within existing conditions. Both processes are responses to change, but adapting often entails a deeper, more systemic change than adjusting.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
To adapt is to undergo a modification to suit a new environment or context, a concept found in biology and personal development. To adjust, on the other hand, typically involves small tweaks to existing situations or objects to improve functionality or comfort. While adapting might mean developing new skills to thrive in a changing job market, adjusting would be more akin to shifting one's work hours to improve work-life balance.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
In the context of technology, a business may adapt by overhauling its infrastructure to implement new systems, indicating a comprehensive and foundational change. Adjusting, in this same context, would be more about fine-tuning the software settings to optimize performance. Adaptation can thus be seen as a holistic response to change, whereas adjustment is more about optimization and fine-tuning.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Adaptation requires a level of creativity and innovation to survive or thrive under new or challenging conditions. To adjust, however, is more about problem-solving within a given framework to make something work better. For instance, animals adapt to climate change by developing new behaviors, while a person might adjust the thermostat to maintain a comfortable room temperature.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
An individual adapts by adopting a new mindset or approach when faced with life changes, such as moving to a different country. Adjusting, in contrast, is what one does when settling into a new home by arranging furniture to fit the space. Adaptation is about the evolution of traits or behaviors over time, while adjustment often implies immediate, reactive changes to suit a specific purpose or function.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To become suitable for a new environment.
To make suitable within an existing context.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
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Adapt and Adjust Definitions
Adapt
To make suitable for a new use or purpose.
The film was adapted from a novel.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Adjust
To adapt or become accustomed to a new situation.
She adjusted to college life within a few weeks.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Adapt
To modify oneself to new conditions.
She adapted quickly to the new school.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Adjust
To alter slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result.
I need to adjust the time on my watch.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Adapt
To undergo change to survive in new environments.
Plants adapt to their environment over generations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Adjust
To regulate to bring into proper position.
He adjusted the rearview mirror before driving.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Adapt
To adjust a work of art or literature for production in another medium.
The director adapted the play for the big screen.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Adjust
To arrange neatly or tidily.
He adjusted the items on his desk to his liking.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Adapt
To alter a thing to make it fit for a new use.
He adapted the tool for a different function.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Adjust
To correct or calibrate.
The technician adjusted the television’s settings for better picture quality.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Adapt
To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation
Adapted the novel into a movie.
Adapted the company policy to take internet use into account.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 24, 2022
Adjust
To move or change (something) so as to be in a more effective arrangement or desired condition
Adjust the timing of a car's engine.
Adjust a hearing aid to amplify lower frequencies.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 24, 2022
Adapt
To cause to be able to survive and reproduce under certain conditions. Used in the passive
“Every species is adapted to a rather restricted selection of properties of the environment” (Ernst Mayr).
Sumera Saeed
Dec 24, 2022
Adjust
To change so as to be suitable to or conform with something else
Adjusted the schedule to allow for everyone's vacation plans.
Adjusted the old monetary figures to account for inflation.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 24, 2022
FAQs
Is "adapt" used in biology?
Yes, "adapt" is often used to describe a species changing over time to fit its environment.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How do you use "adapt" in a sentence?
"Plants adapt to their environment in order to survive."
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Can "adapt" and "adjust" be used interchangeably?
Sometimes they can, but "adapt" is often used for more significant or long-term changes, while "adjust" is for minor, quick changes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What does "adjust" mean?
"Adjust" means to alter or move something slightly to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can "adapt" refer to psychological changes?
Yes, it can refer to psychological or behavioral changes in response to new situations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What does "adapt" mean?
"Adapt" means to make suitable to requirements or conditions; to modify to fit a new environment.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What does "adapt" mean in technology?
In technology, "adapt" means to modify software or hardware to function in different conditions or with other systems.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
How does "adapt" relate to learning?
"Adapt" involves changing one’s approach to learning new material or skills.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Can "adjust" be used in financial contexts?
Yes, "adjust" can be used to describe changes to financial figures or plans.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What is an "adaptive feature"?
An adaptive feature is a trait that has evolved to be advantageous in an organism's environment.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What does "adjust" mean in a social context?
In social contexts, "adjust" can mean to behave differently to conform to the expectations of others.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Is "adapt" used for creative works?
Yes, "adapt" is used when a work is changed to suit a different medium, like a book to a movie.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can "adjust" relate to personal behavior?
Yes, "adjust" can refer to making minor changes in one's behavior in response to social cues.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
How do you use "adjust" in a sentence?
"She adjusted the rearview mirror before starting the car."
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is "adjust" used in a technical context?
Yes, "adjust" is often used for mechanical or technical alterations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can "adjust" mean to get used to a situation?
Yes, but it typically refers to slight changes or accommodations rather than major transformations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Does "adapt" imply a deeper change than "adjust"?
Generally, yes. "Adapt" implies a more fundamental or comprehensive change.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What does "adjustable" mean?
"Adjustable" refers to something that can be modified or altered to achieve different sizes, positions, or performances.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
